Cloud Coffee Drink: TikTok Trend Recipe That’s Easy and Delicious

Cloud Coffee Drink is more than just a viral trend—it’s a creamy, refreshing twist on iced coffee that brings joy to any morning. I remember the first time I tried a cloud coffee drink: I was scrolling TikTok and saw a swirl of fluffy foam cascade over coconut water in a tall glass. It looked like a cloud floating in sunshine. I raced to the kitchen, grabbed a mason jar, and whisked up a dreamy foam with espresso and a splash of cream. That first sip was light, bold, and tropical all at once.

This drink reminded me of my grandma’s kitchen—where I first learned that simple ingredients, like coffee and water, could become something magical. At Delices Recipes, it’s that same spirit of homemade joy that inspired me to create my own version of the Cloud Coffee Drink.

Whether you’re chasing a caffeine boost or a beautiful morning ritual, this drink delivers. Let’s dive deeper into what makes it stand out and why the Cloud Coffee Drink has captured hearts (and cups) around the world.

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Cloud Coffee Drink: TikTok Trend Recipe That’s Easy and Delicious

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• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 1 cloud coffee drink 1x

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Description

The Cloud Coffee Drink is a dreamy, whipped coffee beverage that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Inspired by the viral Dalgona coffee trend, this recipe transforms instant coffee into a fluffy, cloud-like topping that floats over iced milk. It’s rich, velvety, and perfect for coffee lovers who enjoy café-style drinks at home. Ready in minutes with just a few ingredients!

Flavoured cream is whipped to pillowy, cloudy consistency and then poured over any chilled drink of your choice. We particularly love it on top of sweetened coconut water, matcha and iced coffee. 

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

FOR THE TAHINI COFFEE

•  3 Tbsp double cream
• 1 1/2 tsp tahini

1 tsp runny honey, plus more to garnish Ice

• 200 ml Iced coffee, we used Rude Health

• Sesame seeds, to garnish

• FOR THE RHUBARB MATCHA

  • 3 Tbsp double cream
  • 1 Tbsp rhubarb syrup, we used Monin
  • 1 tsp  matcha powder
  • 200 ml milk of your choice Ice

  • FOR THE COCONUT COFFEE

    • 3 Tbsp double cream
    • 1 Tbsp cold brew
    • 200 ml coconut water
    • 1 tsp sugar syrup, we used Monin Ice

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Instructions

• FOR THE TAHINI COFFEE

  1 In a small jug, whisk the cream, tahini and honey to medium peaks. 

  2 Fill a glass with ice and iced coffee and top with the tahini cloud. 

  FOR THE RHUBARB MATCHA

  1 In a small jug, whisk the cream and rhubarb syrup to medium peaks. 

  2 Add the matches powder to a glass. Add 1tbsp of the milk and whisk until smooth. Add the rest of the milk and ice, stir. 

  3 Top with the rhubarb cloud. 

  FOR THE COCONUT COFFEE

  1 In a small jug, whisk the cream and the cold brew to medium peaks. 

  2 Pour the coconut water and sugar syrup into a glass. Stir. Add the ice. 

  3 Top with the cold brew cloud. 

Notes

Try with plant-based milk for a vegan version.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Korean-inspired / Fusion

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 glass
• Calories: 120 per serving
• Fat: 2g

What Is a Cloud Coffee Drink?

The Origin and Rise of Cloud Coffee in Social Media and Cafes

The cloud coffee drink surged into popularity during the early lockdowns of 2020 when people were looking for new and exciting things to try at home. With influencers posting videos of creamy, floating coffee clouds, this drink quickly became a social media darling. Often confused with Dalgona coffee, cloud coffee brings a slightly different twist, boasting an even airier texture and a stronger visual appeal when layered over milk or iced beverages.

Coffee houses caught onto the trend too. From Starbucks-style releases to Korean cafés refining the aesthetic, the cloud coffee drink evolved into a worldwide obsession. It’s more than a trend—it’s a deliciously fun ritual you can recreate anytime.

While you’re here, you might also enjoy discovering our Coffee Cake Muffins or checking out the perfect French Toast Recipe to go with your morning cloud.

How Cloud Coffee Differs from Regular and Dalgona Coffee

While cloud coffee and Dalgona coffee may look similar, the process and results differ. Dalgona is thicker and more structured, made with equal parts of instant coffee, sugar, and hot water, whipped to a mousse-like texture. Cloud coffee, on the other hand, leans toward a fluffier, foam-like quality and often includes egg whites or cream for more volume (though vegan versions exist too).

Here’s a quick comparison table:

This key difference is why cloud coffee stands out—it brings texture and visual delight to your cup, making coffee not just a drink, but a delightful experience.

How to Make Cloud Coffee at Home (Step-by-Step)

Easy Cloud Coffee Recipe for Beginners

Making a cloud coffee drink at home is surprisingly simple—and seriously satisfying. Whether you’re trying it for the first time or looking to refine your technique, this step-by-step guide will help you whip up the perfect cup.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons instant coffee
• 2 tablespoons sugar (or sweetener of choice)
• 2 tablespoons hot water
• 1 cup cold milk or milk alternative
• Ice (optional)

Tools:

• Medium mixing bowl
• Hand whisk or electric mixer
• Spoon
• Glass or mason jar

Steps:

1. Combine instant coffee, sugar, and hot water in the bowl.
2. Whisk vigorously—use a hand mixer (2–3 mins) or a manual whisk (5–8 mins) until stiff peaks form. The mixture should be light and fluffy.
3. Fill your glass with ice and milk, leaving some room at the top.
4. Spoon the whipped cloud mixture on top of the milk.
5. Gently swirl or leave layered for aesthetic appeal. Serve with a straw or stir before drinking.

That’s it! A rich, velvety cloud coffee drink you can enjoy at home anytime.

Tips to Get the Perfect Creamy Texture Every Time

Getting that cloud-like texture takes a little finesse. Here’s how to avoid common mistakes and make your coffee foam Insta-worthy every time.

• Use hot—not boiling—water to activate the coffee instantly.
• Stick to a 1:1:1 ratio (coffee, sugar, water) for best consistency.
• Whip long enough—underwhipping results in a runny mess.
• Use a cold base (milk or plant milk over ice) to help the foam float.
• Serve immediately, as the foam begins to deflate over time.

Here’s a quick troubleshooting guide:

Can You Make Cloud Coffee Without Instant Coffee?

Substitutes for Instant Coffee: Brewed Espresso, Strong Coffee, etc.

Yes, you can make a cloud coffee drink without instant coffee, but it takes a few tweaks. Instant coffee works best because it dissolves easily and creates a stable foam. That said, if you’re committed to skipping instant, you’ve got options.

Here are a few effective substitutes:

To get similar results, reduce the liquid as much as possible and combine with sugar and hot water just as you would with instant coffee. You’ll likely need a hand mixer for extra power, since brewed coffee lacks the emulsifying agents present in many instant brands.

Pros and Cons of Each Alternative

Trying to whip cloud coffee from non-instant options? Here’s what you should expect:

If you’re willing to put in the extra effort, these methods can still produce a visually stunning and delicious result—just be prepared to adjust whipping time and ratio until you find your sweet spot.

Health Facts: Is Cloud Coffee Healthy or Too Sweet?

Calories, Caffeine, and Sugar Content Breakdown

Wondering if your daily cloud coffee drink is secretly a sugar bomb? The answer depends entirely on how you make it. While the visual fluff might look light and airy, it often contains a surprising amount of sugar and caffeine.

Here’s a general nutritional estimate for a traditional serving (with dairy milk and 2 tbsp of sugar):

Most of the sugar and calories come from the whipped topping—especially if you use two full tablespoons of sugar. However, there are plenty of ways to lighten it up without losing the foam.

How to Make a Healthier Version of Cloud Coffee Dink

If you’re concerned about sugar, carbs, or calories, here are some health-conscious tweaks you can make without sacrificing the taste or texture of your cloud:

Want to go even cleaner? Try black coffee with cloud foam on top for an indulgent look with minimal calories.

With a few simple swaps, your cloud coffee can go from sugar overload to balanced beauty.

Best Toppings and Flavors for Cloud Coffee Drink

Popular Flavor Combos: Vanilla, Mocha, Cinnamon, Caramel

One of the best parts of making your own cloud coffee drink is customizing the flavor. That fluffy foam layer isn’t just a visual treat—it’s a perfect canvas for creative additions.

Here are some fan-favorite flavor combinations that blend beautifully into your whipped cloud:

These flavors not only enhance the taste but also make your coffee Instagram-ready with just a few extra touches.

Creative Toppings to Elevate Your Drink: Whipped Cream, Cocoa Dust, Nutmeg

Want to give your cloud coffee drink a café-style glow-up? Try layering textures and colors with toppings that pop. It’s an easy way to elevate a basic recipe into something worthy of your next social media post—or just a luxurious morning ritual.

Here are some fun and flavorful topping ideas:

Aesthetics aside, these toppings enhance aroma, mouthfeel, and taste. Play around until you find your signature version of the perfect cup.

Cloud Coffee vs. Dalgona Coffee: What’s the Difference?

Textural and Ingredient Differences Explained

At a glance, cloud coffee drink and Dalgona coffee look pretty similar—frothy coffee layers sitting atop cold milk. But don’t be fooled: these two viral drinks differ in texture, preparation, and flavor.

Let’s break it down:

Cloud coffee leans more toward textural lightness—it literally looks like a floating cloud. Dalgona is more stable and holds shape longer, but feels heavier in both consistency and sweetness.

So, which one should you make?

Which One Should You Try Based on Your Taste?

If you’re looking for something airy, light, and photo-worthy, cloud coffee is your go-to. Prefer a stronger, more traditional coffee hit? Then Dalgona might suit your taste better.

Ultimately, it comes down to mood. Both drinks are easy to make and endlessly customizable, so why not try both?

Cloud Coffee Around the World

How Cloud Coffee Is Customized Globally: Korea, Italy, USA

The cloud coffee drink might have skyrocketed to fame through social media, but it has taken on unique forms around the world. From minimalist Asian-style brews to dessert-inspired European twists, every country puts its own flavor on this fluffy favorite.

Here’s how the trend looks globally:

South Korea:

Often confused with Dalgona coffee, Korea’s version of cloud coffee sometimes includes added cream or milk foam for even more lift. In Korean cafés, the cloud sits dramatically high above milk and is served with toppings like edible pearls or drizzle syrups.

Italy:

Inspired by Italian affogato, cloud coffee here is often served over gelato or in dessert cups with a dusting of cocoa powder. It’s less about height and more about luxurious presentation.

USA:

In the U.S., the cloud coffee drink is a blank canvas. From almond milk bases to bold mocha swirls and oat milk alternatives, it’s all about personalization. You’ll also find café versions that blend protein powders, collagen, or adaptogens into the mix for a wellness spin.

Middle East:

In regions like Dubai, cloud coffee is served as a dessert-coffee hybrid—poured over rosewater-infused milk or cardamom foam for a spiced experience.

Trendy Café Versions You Can Recreate at Home

Want to mimic what you’d get at a high-end café? Here are a few popular cloud coffee spins you can recreate in your kitchen:

These spins help transform the humble cloud coffee into a signature sip that’s uniquely yours.

Cloud Coffee Drink Troubleshooting & Pro Tips

Why Your Cloud Isn’t Forming: Common Mistakes

Whipping up the perfect cloud coffee drink can sometimes feel like science—especially if your foam refuses to rise or quickly collapses. Here are some of the most common pitfalls and how to fix them:

Even seasoned baristas experience failed batches. But when done right, the result is silky, smooth, and satisfying.

Expert Tricks to Keep Your Foam Firm and Photogenic

Want to create a cloud coffee that looks as good as it tastes? Try these pro-level tips:

• Chill your glass and milk before assembling—cold surfaces help the foam sit firmly on top.
• Add a pinch of cream of tartar to stabilize the foam (especially for vegan or egg-white versions).
• Use a hand mixer—it gets the foam firmer and faster than a whisk.
• Whip in a bowl with a wide base to get more air into the mix.
• Serve immediately—cloud coffee is made to be consumed fresh and fluffy.

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Conclusion

The cloud coffee drink is more than just a viral trend—it’s a creative and satisfying way to enjoy your daily caffeine fix. Whether you stick with the classic instant coffee whip or branch out with vegan and flavored versions, cloud coffee is as versatile as it is beautiful. From breakfast to brunch, and even as an afternoon treat, it’s the kind of drink that makes coffee feel like an occasion.

If you haven’t tried making it at home yet, now’s the perfect time to start. Experiment with ingredients, toppings, and textures until you find your signature cloud.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cloud Coffee Drink